Burger to Go; Hold the Whale

The Times of London reports that scientists from Auckland University
have identified meat from protected species of whales on sale in markets
in Japan. The shocking results of their DNA research was presented by
Dr. Scott Baker at the opening of the 50th International Whaling Commission
meeting in Oman.

An undercover team discovered meat from the protected sei and humpback
whales, which have not been legal to commercially kill since at least
1985 and 1966, respectively. In the past, Japan has insisted that any
illegal whale meat is left over from frozen stockpiles obtained before
whaling bans went into effect for those species. However, the genetic
testing has determined that these species were killed more recently, conclusively
showing that the government of Japan is either illegally whaling or allowing
smuggling of illegal whale meat from pirate whalers.

Among the other species shown on sale in Japan are porpoises, fin, minke,
Bryde's, pygmy sperm, Baird's beaked, and a blue/fin hybrid.

It is long past the time for the government of Japan to join the other
nations of the world who obey international laws and refuse to condone
illegal trading and selling of endangered and protected species.